3 reasons to work with an estate-planning attorney

On Behalf of Bassett & Gabriel Law Office, P.C.   |   Dec 31, 2018   |   Uncategorized

You have probably heard that it is possible to plan your own estate using will kits or other do-it-yourself techniques. The truth is that it is possible to establish your estate and to maintain it that way, but the likelihood is that there will be mistakes and that there is a possibility that your estate and will won’t hold up in court.

When you spend time, energy and money on an estate, you don’t want to have to worry about its legality. By hiring an estate attorney, you can make sure that your will and estate follow the laws in Illinois and are corrected for your current situation.

There are many reasons why you don’t want to create your estate on your own. Here are three good reasons to work with a professional.

1. Professionals have training

The first reason to work with a professional is because they have training. With experience comes knowledge about what you can and cannot do to protect yourself and your beneficiaries. It is common for estate-planning attorneys to be able to save you more money on taxes than if you try to do everything on your own. Additionally, they know about common pitfalls and can help you avoid making serious legal mistakes.

2. You moved to a new state

Another good reason to work with an estate-planning attorney is because you moved. Even if you already have an estate plan that you built yourself, it is a good idea to have a professional review that estate plan in your new home state. Since every state is different, the laws vary. When laws vary, there is a chance that the rules you followed in a different state won’t be upheld in the state you live in now. Your attorney can help you update your estate plan and will check it over for common mistakes.

3. Your estate is complicated

A do-it-yourself kit might be okay for someone with a very simple estate. However, if you have a tricky estate with many beneficiaries, trusts, stocks, special requirements for payouts or other factors to consider, an estate-planning attorney is going to be in a better position to help you. It is more likely that you will make a mistake if you have a complicated situation, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

No two estate plans are the same, so it’s always a good idea to have a professional review yours before you feel confident that it will protect you and your loved ones.